By:Nicholas Elliott
NASHVILLE,Tenn.- After a 72-49 win yesterday the Tide were able to outlast the Missouri Tigers 72-61 despite shooting only 30% from behind the arc.
After a good start in yesterday’s game, the Tide got off to a much slower start offensively not until the 7:45 mark when Noah Clowney hit the Tide’s first three-pointer of the game after starting zero-for-ten. The Tide finished shooting 43% from the field, but turnovers were a problem again having nine in the half. Clowney led the team with 11 points and was able to score inside-out going 2/4 from the outside while the team shot zero-for-11.
In the second half however, the Tide struggled to regain the lead from the Tigers until the 12:50 mark where the Tide was able to finish the game outscoring Missouri 32 to 22. The Tide were able to get stops on defense, which led to hitting some key three balls in the second half down the stretch. The Tide shot better behind the arc in the second half then it did in the first shooting 50%.
Coming off the season low in turnovers, Alabama was not able to continue that having 17 turnovers.
“I didn’t think we played as aggressive on the offensive end as we should’ve which led to us being careless with the ball,” said Head Coach Nate Oats on the turnovers today.
Alabama’s Brandon Miller broke Collin Sexton’s single-season Freshmen scoring record, and is now up to 645 points on the season. Miller had 20 points today, and recorded his eighth double-double on the season.
“Its a great accomplishment, but without my teammates instilling confidence I wouldn’t have done it without them,” Miller said on breaking Sexton’s record.
Coach Oats said after the game,” Lets try and pack this place out tomorrow in the championship with all Alabama fans,” telling supporters to make the drive up to Bridgestone Arena to support the Tide.
The Tide was led by Miller and Clowney, who combined for 39 of the teams’ 72 points.
Alabama will play for its second SEC tournament title in three seasons tomorrow at 12 central on ESPN.
